Retractable measuring and cutting device

ABSTRACT

Disclosed are various embodiments for a measuring and cutting device having, for example, a measuring tool disposed between a first handle component and a second handle component. The first handle component and the second handle component may be coupled by the measuring tool disposed between the first handle component and the second handle component. The measuring tool may comprise a flexible bistable spring steel band or a rigid material. The first handle is configured to join the second handle to form a uniform body.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application No. 62/093,454, entitled “RETRACTABLE MEASURING ANDCUTTING DEVICE,” filed Dec. 18, 2014, and to U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 62/265,541, entitled “RETRACTABLE MEASURING AND CUTTINGDEVICE,” filed Dec. 10, 2015, the contents of which are both herebyincorporated by reference in their entirety herein.

BACKGROUND

Cutting drywall and other materials typically requires a substantialamount of measuring and marking before performing a cut. For example, adrywall worker may desire to have a 46 inch board of drywall. However,drywall boards are generally sold in eight-foot, ten-foot, andtwelve-foot boards. Accordingly, to cut an eight-foot drywall board to46 inches, the drywall worker must measure 46 inches from an end of theeight-food drywall board, use a T-square to draw a straight line down aheight of the drywall board, and must perform a precise cut down thedrawn line.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Many aspects of the present disclosure can be better understood withreference to the following drawings. The components in the drawings arenot necessarily to scale, with emphasis instead being placed uponclearly illustrating the principles of the disclosure. Moreover, in thedrawings, like reference numerals designate corresponding partsthroughout the several views.

FIGS. 1A-1F are drawings of embodiments of a retractable measuring andcutting device according to various embodiments of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 2 is a drawing of a side view of a second handle of the retractablemeasuring and cutting device of according to various embodiments of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a drawing of a side view of a first handle of the retractablemeasuring and cutting device according to various embodiments of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a drawing of another side view of the second handle of theretractable measuring and cutting device according to variousembodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 is a drawing of a rear view of the retractable measuring andcutting device according to various embodiments of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 6 is a drawing of a perspective view of the retractable measuringand cutting device according to various embodiments of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 7 is a drawing showing an operator or a handler using theretractable measuring and cutting device to cut material according tovarious embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating one example of functionalityimplemented using at least the retractable measuring and cutting deviceof FIG. 1 according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 9A-9C are drawings of embodiments of a reverse rule measuring toolthat may be implemented in the retractable measuring and cutting deviceof FIGS. 1A-1F according to various embodiments of the presentdisclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure relates to a retractable measuring and cuttingdevice that may be used to perform precise cuts of various materials,such as drywall. As noted above, cutting drywall and other materialstypically requires a substantial amount of measuring and marking beforeperforming a cut. For example, a drywall worker may desire to have a 46inch board of drywall. However, drywall boards are generally sold ineight-foot, ten-foot, and twelve-foot boards. Accordingly, to cut aneight-foot drywall board to 46 inches, the drywall worker must measure46 inches from an end of the eight-food drywall board, use a T-square(or other device) to draw a straight line down a height of the drywallboard, and must perform a precise cut down the drawn line. Performingprecise measurements, drawing precise lines, and making accurate cutsremains problematic. Moreover, measuring and drawing lines costs drywalland other workers a considerable amount of time.

In the following discussion, a general description of a retractablemeasuring and cutting device and its components is provided, followed bya discussion of the operation of the same.

With reference to FIG. 1A, shown is a non-limiting example of aretractable measuring and cutting device 100 according to variousembodiments of the present disclosure. In the non-limiting example ofFIG. 1A, the retractable measuring and cutting device 100 comprises afirst handle 103, a second handle 106, a measuring tool 109, a measuringtool storage 112, a guide 115, a marking utensil holder 118, a blade121, a blade retractor 124, a measuring tool lock 130, a mounting block133, and/or other components as may be described herein.

The first handle 103 and the second handle 106 may comprise plastic,metal, rubber, any suitable material, or a combination thereofconfigured to be handled by an operator using a first hand and a secondhand. For example, the left hand of the operator may be used to grip thefirst handle 103 and the right hand of the operator may be used to gripthe second handle 106, or vice versa. The measuring tool lock 130 may belocated on the first handle 103, or other handle coupled to themeasuring tool storage 112. The location of the components may beflipped to make a retractable measuring and cutting device 100 suitedfor left-handed operators.

The measuring tool 109 may comprise measuring tape, a measuring band, ora similar device, that provides the operator of the retractablemeasuring and cutting device 100 with one or more dimensions that may beemployed to cut a material at a defined location. In variousembodiments, the measuring tool 109 comprises a bistable spring bandwith one or more dimensions set thereon. It is understood that variousdimensions may be printed, laminated, or otherwise set on the measuringtool 109. For example, the measuring tool 109 may comprise a first setof dimensions (e.g., inches, feet, or other unit of measurement) locateda top of the measuring tool 109 and a second set of dimensions (e.g.,millimeters, centimeters, meters, or other unit of measurement) locatedat a bottom of the measuring tool 109. In other embodiments, themeasuring tool 109 may comprise a single set of dimensions (e.g.,inches, feet, millimeters, centimeters, meters, or other unit ofmeasurement) located at an appropriate location of the measuring tool109.

In some embodiments, the measuring tool 109 comprises a first set ofdimensions at a top of the measuring tool 109 and a second set ofdimensions at the bottom of the measuring tool 109, wherein the firstset of dimensions and the second set of dimensions are in a same unit ofmeasurement. However, the first set of dimensions and the second set ofdimensions may be inversed. For example, assume a measuring tool 109comprises a length of 96 inches. The first set of dimensions of themeasuring tool 109 may count (from left to right), 1″, 2″, 3″, 4″, 5″,and so forth. Directly underneath the first set of dimensions, themeasuring tool 109 may count (from left to right), 96″, 95″, 94″, 93″,92″, and so forth.

In various embodiments, a length of the measuring tool 109 may compriseapproximately 96 inches, 72 inches, 90 inches, 48 inches, or any othersuitable length. As may be appreciated, in embodiments where themeasuring tool 109 comprises a length of 73 inches, the retractablemeasuring and cutting device 100 may be used to perform cuts on a12-foot board. In embodiments where the measuring tool 109 comprises alength of 61 inches, the retractable measuring and cutting device 100may be used to perform cuts on a ten-foot board. Similarly, inembodiments where the measuring tool 109 comprises a length of 49inches, the retractable measuring and cutting device 100 may be used toperform cuts on a eight-foot board. A length of the measuring tool 109may be determined via:

$\begin{matrix}{{{{Length}\mspace{14mu}{of}\mspace{14mu}{Measuring}\mspace{14mu}{Device}} = {\left( {{Length}\mspace{14mu}{of}\mspace{14mu}{{Board}/2}} \right) + 1.}}{{or}\text{:}}} & \left( {{eq}.\mspace{14mu} 1} \right) \\{{{Length}\mspace{14mu}{of}\mspace{14mu}{Measuring}\mspace{14mu}{Device}} = {\left( {{Length}\mspace{14mu}{of}\mspace{14mu}{{Board}/2}} \right).}} & \left( {{eq}.\mspace{14mu} 2} \right)\end{matrix}$

When in operation, the measuring tool 109 may extract from an interiorof the measuring tool storage 112 to an exterior located in a positionbetween the first handle 103 and the second handle 106. To this end, themeasuring tool storage 112 may comprise a bistable steel spring band orother suitable device that facilitates the extraction and the retractionof the measuring tool 109 while providing some support between the firsthandle 103 and the second handle 106.

For example, when the measuring tool 109 is pulled from an interior ofthe measuring tool storage 112 to an exterior, a spring inside themeasuring tool storage 112 may unwind, thereby storing energy in thespring itself that will be used to retract the measuring tool 109 in acoil (or other minimized position). The measuring tool lock 130 maycomprise a switch that grabs and holds the measuring tool 109 at itsposition to prevent the spring in the interior of the measuring toolstorage 112 from retracting the measuring tool 109. As can beappreciated, when the measuring tool lock 130 is released, the spring inthe measuring tool storage 112 pulls the measuring tool 109 back intothe interior of the measuring tool storage 112.

The guide 115 may be used to position and retain the retractablemeasuring and cutting device 100 at an end of a particular type ofmaterial, such as drywall, tile, particle board, cardboard, plywood,linoleum, brick, stone, string, plexiglass, glass, and/or any othersuitable material. To this end, the guide 115 may comprise an L-shapedprojection that causes an end of the material to closely conform to theguide 115, thereby securing the material to the first handle 103.

The marking utensil holder 118 may comprise an outlet for a markingutensil, such as a pen, pencil, or marker, to be inserted and retainedby the retractable measuring and cutting device 100. To this end, themarking utensil holder 118 may be configured to closely conform to oneor more types of marking utensils or, in some embodiments, pivotutensils such as a compass spike. In various embodiments, the outlet maybe circular-shaped to closely conform to common pens, pencils, and/ormarkers. In some embodiments, the outlet may be hexagonal-shaped toclosely conform to pens, pencils, markers, or other marking utensilsthat comprise a hexagonal-shaped body. Although the embodimentsdescribed discuss pens, pencils, and/or markers, other marking utensilsmay be employed such as chalk or any other material that creates markson a surface of a suitable material. Additionally, although shown on thefirst handle 103, the marking utensil holder 118 may be positioned onthe second handle 106 in a location suitable for marking a cut.

The blade 121 may comprise a utility knife blade, an X-Acto® knifeblade, or a box cutter blade according to various embodiments. As can beappreciated, the blade 121 may comprise a blade suitable for cuttingdifferent types of materials. For example, assuming an operator of theretractable measuring and cutting device 100 desires to cut tile orstone, the blade 121 may comprise a diamond blade commonly used to cuttile and stone. In various embodiments, the blade 121 may comprise asteel blade, a carbide blade, a diamond blade, an abrasive blade, or anyother suitable blade.

The blade retractor 124 may comprise a component that allows an operatorto adjust a length corresponding to how far the blade 121 extends fromthe second handle 106. For example, the blade 121 can be extended to alength to score drywall without performing a cut through an entirety ofthe drywall. For purposes herein, the term cut is defined to includeboth cutting through a material as well as scoring a surface of thematerial. In various embodiments, the blade 121 may be replaced with aspare blade stored in an interior of the measuring tool storage 112, thefirst handle 103, and/or the second handle 106. For example, an interiorof the first handle 103 and/or the second handle 106 may be accessed byremoving a screw and opening the handle.

The mounting block 133 may be configured to secure the measuring tool109 to the second handle 106. To this end, the mounting block 133 maycomprise a triangular-shaped projection of the second handle 106 thatmay be screwed or otherwise fixed into an end of the measuring tool 109.

Next, a general description of the operation of the various componentsof the retractable measuring and cutting device 100 is provided. Tobegin, the retractable measuring and cutting device 100 may be in aclosed and/or fixed position (not shown). When in the closed and/orfixed position, the first handle 103 and the second handle 106 may bedescribed as forming a uniform body when the measuring tool 109 isretracted into the interior of the measuring tool storage 112. Invarious embodiments, the first handle 103 and the second handle 106 maybe secured to each other when in the closed and/or fixed position usinga fastener, a snap lock, or a similar component.

By pulling the first handle 103 and the second handle 106 in oppositedirections (or by keeping one of the handles in a fixed location andpulling the other handle in a direction away from the handle in thefixed location), the measuring tool 109 may extract out from an interiorof the measuring tool storage 112 to an exterior, whereby dimensions onthe measuring tool 109 are capable of being viewed by an operator of theretractable measuring and cutting device 100.

As a non-limiting example, the operator of the retractable measuring andcutting device 100 may place a material to be cut in the guide 115 andmay hold the first handle 103 to secure the material to the first handle103. In various embodiments, the material may be placed in the guide 115to facilitate securing at least one end of the retractable measuring andcutting device 100 to the material. The operator may use his or herright hand gripped around the second handle 106 and pull the measuringtool 109 from the interior of the measuring tool storage 112 in adirection opposite of the first handle 103 (e.g., in a right direction).

The operator may use dimensions on the measuring tool 109 to determinean appropriate location to cut the material, as can be appreciated. Whenthe user has positioned the second handle 106 of the retractablemeasuring and cutting device 100 in a suitable location, the operatormay use the measuring tool lock 130 to secure the measuring tool 109 ina fixed position. In embodiments where the measuring tool 109 comprisesa bistable spring steel band, the measuring tool 109 may providestructure, rigidity, and/or stabilization between the first handle 103and the second handle 106.

To perform a cut, the operator may extend the blade 121 from an interiorof the second handle 106 to a fixed exterior position using the bladeretractor 124. As the blade 121 is exposed to a surface of the material,the operator of the retractable measuring and cutting device 100 maypull the first handle 103 and the second handle 106 downwards, or in anyother suitable direction, to perform a straight cut along a length ofthe material. For example, assuming the operator starts a cut at a topof the material, the operator would move both the first handle 103 andthe second handle 106 downwards, whereby an end of the material in theguide 115 would slide through the guide 115 on the first handle 103while the blade 121 of the second handle 106 performs a cut at aparticular location in the material.

In various embodiments, the first handle 103 comprises a left handle foruse by a left hand of an operator and the second handle 106 comprises aright handle for use by a right hand of the operator. However, thecomponents shown on the first handle 103 may be reversed and may belocated on the second handle 106, and vice versa, for operators morecomfortable in performing cuts with their left hand.

In some embodiments, the components of the retractable measuring andcutting device 100 may be included in a “kit,” where an operator of thekit may uses the components shown in FIG. 1A to modify commerciallyavailable products. For example, the measuring device storage 112 maycomprise a commercially available tape measurer, where the left handle103 is configured to detachably attach to the tape measurer and thesecond handle 106 is configured to detachably attach to an end of tapeof the tape measurer.

Referring next to FIG. 1B, shown is another example of the retractablemeasuring and cutting device 100 in a closed and/or fixed position wherethe measuring tool 109 is positioned in an interior of the measuringtool storage 112. Further, in the non-limiting example of FIG. 1B, shownis the retractable measuring and cutting device 100 comprising the firsthandle 103, the second handle 106, the measuring tool storage 112, theguide 115, the marking utensil holder 118, the blade retractor 124, themeasuring tool lock 130, and the mounting block 133.

As noted above, when in operation, the measuring tool 109 may extractfrom an interior of the measuring tool storage 112 to be located in aposition between the first handle 103 and the second handle 106. To thisend, the measuring tool storage 112 may comprise a spring or otherdevice that facilitates the retracting of the measuring tool 109. Forexample, when the measuring tool 109 is pulled from an interior of themeasuring tool storage 112 to an exterior, a spring inside the measuringtool storage 112 may unwind, thereby storing energy in the spring itselfthat will be used to retract the measuring tool 109 in a coil or otherminimized position. The measuring tool lock 130 may comprise a switchthat grabs and holds the measuring tool 109 at its position to preventthe spring in the interior of the measuring tool storage 112 fromretracting the measuring tool 109. As can be appreciated, when themeasuring tool lock 130 is released, the spring retracts and pulls themeasuring tool 109 back into the interior of the measuring tool storage112, as shown in FIG. 1B.

In FIG. 1C, shown is another example of the retractable measuring andcutting device 100 in a closed and/or fixed position where the measuringtool 109 is positioned in an interior of the measuring tool storage 112.Further, the first handle 103 and/or the second handle 106 may comprisea saw blade retractor 136 configured to extract a saw blade 139 from aninterior of the corresponding handle to an exterior for cutting. As maybe appreciated, the saw blade 139 may comprise a serrated blade or auniform blade and for use in cutting drywall or other suitablematerials.

Turning now to FIG. 1D and FIG. 1E, shown is an example of theretractable measuring and cutting device 100 in a closed position and anopen position, respectively, where the retractable measuring and cuttingdevice 100 comprises a display 142. To this end, in various embodiments,the retractable measuring and cutting device 100 may comprise processingcircuitry capable of measuring a distance the restorable measuring andcutting device 100 is pulled from the measuring tool storage 112. Forexample, the display 142 shown in FIG. 1D reads “0 inches” as themeasuring tool 109 has not been pulled from the measuring tool storage112 while the display 142 shown in FIG. 1E reads “5.75 inches” as themeasuring tool 109 has been pulled that length.

The processing circuitry may comprise a microprocessor or equivalentcircuitry that includes memory and program instructions stored thereon.Further, the processing circuitry may be coupled to one or more sensorsto determine the length shown in the display 142. In one embodiment, adistance sensor may measure a distance between the first handle 103 andthe second handle 106. To this end, in various embodiments, the distancesensor may comprise a laser sensor, an optical sensor, a sonar sensor,or other suitable sensor. The distance sensor may be placed, forexample, on the first handle 103 facing the second handle 106, or viceversa. The display 142 may comprise a liquid-crystal display, a lightemitting diode (LED) display, or other type of display suitable ofdisplaying a measurement.

In other embodiments, machine-readable identifiers may be placed on themeasuring tool 109 where a sensor device is capable of detecting themachine-readable identifiers and identify how much of the measuring tool109 has been pulled from or inserted back into the measuring toolstorage 112. Further, the units of measurement shown in the display 142may vary from inches shown in FIG. 1D and FIG. 1E. For example, theunits shown in the display 142 may include other units such as meters,centimeters, feet, or other suitable unit of measurement.

Turning now to FIG. 1F, shown is an example where the measuring tool 109comprises a fixed, non-flexible material. For example, the measuringtool 109 may comprise a flat piece of aluminum, steel, or wood havingmeasurements placed thereon, although other types of materials may besuitable. To this end, the example shown in FIG. 1F does not require themeasuring tool storage 112. Instead, a back end 145 of the measuringtool 109 may slide outside of a portal 148 in the first handle 103 (orin the second handle 106 in other embodiments).

Moving on to FIG. 2, shown is a side view of the second handle 106 ofthe retractable measuring and cutting device 100 according to variousembodiments of the present disclosure. In the non-limiting example ofFIG. 2, the second handle 106 may comprise the blade 121, the bladeretractor 124, the measuring tool lock 130, and/or other components. Ascan be appreciated, a front portion 203 the blade 121 is positionedoutside of an interior of the second handle 106 while a second portion206 of the blade 121 is positioned inside the second handle 106 to avoidcutting or harming the hand of the operator.

Moving on to FIG. 3, shown is a side and interior view of the firsthandle 103 of the retractable measuring and cutting device 100 accordingto various embodiments of the present disclosure. In the non-limitingexample of FIG. 3, the first handle 103 comprises the measuring toolstorage 112, the guide 115, the marking utensil holder 118, and/or othercomponents.

Moving on to FIG. 4, shown is another side view of the second handle 106of the retractable measuring and cutting device 100 according to variousembodiments of the present disclosure. In the non-limiting example ofFIG. 2, the second handle 106 may comprise the blade 121, the bladeretractor 124, the measuring tool lock 130, the measuring tool 109,and/or other components. As can be appreciated, a front portion 203 theblade 121 is positioned outside of an interior of the second handle 106while a second portion 206 of the blade 121 is positioned inside thesecond handle 106 to avoid cutting or harming the hand of the operator.

With reference to FIG. 5, shown is a rear view of the retractablemeasuring and cutting device 100 according to various embodiments of thepresent disclosure. In the non-limiting example of FIG. 5, theretractable measuring and cutting device 100 comprises the first handle103, the second handle 106, the measuring tool 109, the measuring toolstorage 112, the guide 115, the marking utensil holder 118, the blade121, the blade retractor 124, the measuring tool lock 130, the mountingblock 133, and/or other components.

When in operation, the measuring tool 109 may retract from an interiorof the measuring tool storage 112 to an exterior located in a positionbetween the first handle 103 and the second handle 106. To this end, themeasuring tool storage 112 may comprise a bistable steel spring band orother suitable device that facilitates the retracting of the measuringtool 109 while providing some support between the first handle 103 andthe second handle 106.

The guide 115 may be used to position and retain the retractablemeasuring and cutting device 100 at an end of a particular type ofmaterial, such as drywall, tile, particle board, cardboard, plywood,linoleum, brick, stone, string, plexiglass, glass, and/or any othersuitable material. To this end, the guide 115 may comprise an L-shapedprojection that causes an end of the material to closely conform to theguide 115, thereby securing the material to the first handle 103.

The blade 121 may comprise a utility knife blade, an X-Acto® knifeblade, or a box cutter blade according to various embodiments. As can beappreciated, the blade 121 may comprise a blade suitable for cuttingdifferent types of materials. For example, assuming an operator of theretractable measuring and cutting device 100 desires to cut tile orstone, the blade 121 may comprise a diamond blade commonly used to cuttile and stone. In various embodiments, the blade 121 may comprise asteel blade, a carbide blade, a diamond blade, an abrasive blade, or anyother suitable blade.

The blade retractor 124 may comprise a component that allows an operatorto adjust a length corresponding to how far the blade 121 extends fromthe second handle 106. For example, the blade 121 can be extended to alength to cut drywall without performing a cut through an entirety ofthe drywall. In various embodiments, the blade 121 may be replaced witha spare blade stored in an interior of the measuring tool storage 112,the first handle 103, and/or the second handle 106. For example, aninterior of the first handle 103 and/or the second handle 106 may beaccessed by removing a screw and opening the handle.

The mounting block 133 may be configured to secure the measuring tool109 to the second handle 106. To this end, the mounting block 133 maycomprise a triangular- or rectangular-shaped projection of the secondhandle 106 that may be screwed or otherwise fixed into an end of themeasuring tool 109.

With respect to FIG. 6, shown is a perspective view of the retractablemeasuring and cutting device 100 in an open position where all or aportion of the measuring tool 109 is located an exterior from themeasuring tool storage 112. In various embodiments of the presentdisclosure, the retractable measuring and cutting device 100 comprisesthe first handle 103, the second handle 106, the measuring tool 109, themeasuring tool storage 112, the guide 115, the blade 121, the bladeretractor 124, the measuring tool lock 130, the mounting block 133,and/or other components. The retractable measuring and cutting device100 may be used to perform cuts of a material 303 using the blade 121,as may be appreciated. Further, although not shown in the non-limitingexample of FIG. 6, the retractable measuring and cutting device 100 mayfurther comprise the marking utensil holder 118 and/or other components.

In various embodiments, the measuring tool storage 112 may include aspool 603 for which the measuring tool 109 wraps around when retracted.A bracket 606 may mount the spool 603 to the first handle 103. Infurther embodiments, a cover (not shown) may be applied to protect themeasuring tool 109 as it is wrapped around the spool 603. A bearing 609facilitates rotation of the spool 603 as the measuring tool 109 is woundaround the spool 603.

In some embodiments, a side of the retractable measuring and cuttingdevice 100 that includes the blade 121 may further comprise a lightprojecting device 612 that projects an illuminated line 615 along asurface of the material 303 to be cut. In various embodiments, the lightprojecting device 612 may comprise a light-emitting diode (LED), a laserlight projector, or other suitable device capable of projecting theilluminated line 615. In embodiments where the light projecting device612 comprises an LED, a red LED, a green LED, or other suitable color ofLED may be employed. In some embodiments, the retractable measuring andcutting device 100 may comprise processing circuitry that allows anoperator of the retractable measuring and cutting device 100 to change acolor of the illuminated line 615 via the light projecting device 612.For example, an operator may toggle between a red line, a green line, orother color line depending on a type of the material 303 being cut.

With respect to FIG. 7, shown is another side aerial view of theretractable measuring and cutting device 100 in an open position whereall or a portion of the measuring tool 109 is located in an exterior ofthe measuring tool storage 112. In various embodiments of the presentdisclosure, the retractable measuring and cutting device 100 comprisesthe first handle 103, the second handle 106, the measuring tool 109, themeasuring tool storage 112, the guide 115, and/or other components. Theretractable measuring and cutting device 100 may be used to perform cutsof a material 303. Further, although not shown in the non-limitingexample of FIG. 7, the retractable measuring and cutting device 100 mayfurther comprise the blade 121, the blade retractor 124, the markingutensil holder 118, the measuring tool lock 130, the mounting block 133,and/or other components.

To use the retractable measuring and cutting device 100, an operator 703may pick up the device when it is in a closed and/or fixed position, asthe first handle 103 and the second handle 106 may conform to one otherto form a uniform body when the measuring tool 109 is retracted into theinterior of the measuring tool storage 112 or about the spool 603. Theoperator 703 starts by securing the first handle 103 at an edge 706 ofthe material 303, such as by placing the edge 706 of the material 303 inthe guide 115, where the rectangular- or square-shaped edge 706 of thematerial fits into an L-shaped recess of the guide 115.

The operator 703 then pulls the second handle 106 in a linear andhorizontal direction away from the first handle 103 to cause themeasuring tool 109 to extract out from an interior of the measuring toolstorage 112. In this position, dimensions on the measuring tool 109 maybe viewable to the operator 703. Using an available hand (e.g., a lefthand), the operator 703 may hold the first handle 103 to secure thematerial 303 in its position in the guide 115. The operator 703 may usehis or her other available hand (e.g., a right hand) to pull secondhandle 106 while pulling the first handle 103 downwards or along thematerial 303 to perform the suitable cut.

The operator 703 may use dimensions on the measuring tool 109 todetermine an appropriate location to cut the material 303, as can beappreciated. In some embodiments, the second handle 106 may be securedat a desired location (e.g., a location of a desired cut) using, forexample, the measuring tool lock 130 or by applying pressure to thesecond handle 106 against a surface of the material 303. In embodimentswhere the measuring tool 109 comprises a bistable spring steel band, themeasuring tool 109 may provide structure, rigidity, and/or stabilizationbetween the first handle 103 and the second handle 106 as it is pulledalong the material 303.

The operator 703 may extend the blade 121 from an interior of the secondhandle 106 to a fixed exterior position using, for example, the bladeretractor 124. When the blade 121 is exposed to a surface of thematerial 303, the operator 703 of the retractable measuring and cuttingdevice 100 pulls the first handle 103 and the second handle 106downwards, or in any other suitable direction, to perform a straight cutalong a length of the material 303. For example, assuming the operator703 starts a cut at a top of the material, the operator 703 would moveboth the first handle 103 and the second handle 106 downwards, wherebyan end of the material in the guide 115 would slide through the guide115 on the first handle 103 while the blade 121 of the second handle 106performs a cut at a particular location in the material. The measuringtool 109 provides structure, especially when locked using the measuringtool lock 130, thereby allowing the operator 703 to make a straight cut.When the cut of the material 303 is complete, the blade 121 may beretracted, the measuring tool lock 130 may be disengaged, and the usercan allow the measuring tool 109 to retract into the measuring toolstorage 112.

Referring next to FIG. 8, shown is a flowchart that provides one exampleof the operation of at least a portion of the retractable measuring andcutting device 100 according to various embodiments. It is understoodthat the flowchart of FIG. 8 provides merely an example of the manydifferent types of functional arrangements that may be employed toimplement the operation of the retractable measuring and cutting device100 as described herein.

To begin, the retractable measuring and cutting device 100 may be in aclosed and/or fixed position such as the position shown in FIG. 1B. Whenin the closed and/or fixed position, the first handle 103 and the secondhandle 106 may be described as forming a uniform body when the measuringtool 109 is retracted into the interior of the measuring tool storage112. In various embodiments, the first handle 103 and the second handle106 may be secured to each other when in the closed and/or fixedposition using a fastener, a snap lock, or a similar component.

In 803, the first handle 103 is secured at an edge of material 303, suchas by placing the edge of the material 303 in the guide 115. Next, in806, the second handle 106 is pulled away from the first handle 103 tocause the measuring tool 109 to extract out from an interior of themeasuring tool storage 112 to an exterior, whereby dimensions on themeasuring tool 109 are capable of being viewed by an operator 703 of theretractable measuring and cutting device 100. An example of themeasuring tool 109 being exposed is shown in FIG. 1A

As a non-limiting example, the operator 703 of the retractable measuringand cutting device 100 may place a material to be cut in the guide 115and may hold the first handle 103 to secure the material to the firsthandle 103. In various embodiments, the material may be placed in theguide 115 to facilitate securing at least one end of the retractablemeasuring and cutting device 100 to the material. The operator 703 mayuse his or her right hand gripped around the second handle 106 and pullthe measuring tool 109 from the interior of the measuring tool storage112 in a direction opposite of the first handle 103 (e.g., in a rightdirection).

The operator 703 may use dimensions on the measuring tool 109 todetermine an appropriate location to cut the material, as can beappreciated. In 809, the second handle 106 may be secured at the desiredlocation using, for example, the measuring tool lock 130 or by applyingpressure to the second handle 106 against a surface of the material 303.In embodiments where the measuring tool 109 comprises a bistable springsteel band, the measuring tool 109 may provide structure, rigidity,and/or stabilization between the first handle 103 and the second handle106.

Next, in 812, the operator 703 may extend the blade 121 from an interiorof the second handle 106 to a fixed exterior position using, forexample, the blade retractor 124. In 815, as the blade 121 is exposed toa surface of the material 303, the operator 703 of the retractablemeasuring and cutting device 100 pulls the first handle 103 and thesecond handle 106 downwards, or in any other suitable direction, toperform a straight cut along a length of the material 303. For example,assuming the operator 703 starts a cut at a top of the material, theoperator 703 would move both the first handle 103 and the second handle106 downwards, whereby an end of the material in the guide 115 wouldslide through the guide 115 on the first handle 103 while the blade 121of the second handle 106 performs a cut at a particular location in thematerial.

Turning now to FIGS. 9A-9C, different embodiments of a measuring tool109 implementing a reverse rule labeling system are shown. As may beappreciated, in the United States, it is common for drywall boards tohave a width of eight feet, ten feet, or twelve feet. The reverse rulelabeling system may be described as having a first row of labels 903 anda second row of labels 906. The first row of labels 903 may comprises afirst plurality of dimensions iterating in a first direction (e.g.,counting up) while the second row of labels 906 comprises a secondplurality of dimensions iterating in a second direction, where thesecond direction is different than the first direction (e.g., countingdown). Accordingly, to facilitate a quick measure and cut with theretractable measuring and cutting device 100, the reverse rule labelingsystem may be employed as will be described.

With reference to FIG. 9A, an embodiment where the measuring tool 109measures eight feet in length is shown. At a first end of the measuringtool 109, a first label denotes “1 inch” while a second label shownbelow the first label denotes “96 inches” (i.e., an eight foot measuringtool 109 comprises of 96 inches). To this end, a first row of themeasuring tool 109 may iterate in one direction (e.g., 1, 2, 3, . . . ,94, 95, and 96), while a second row of the measuring tool 109 mayiterate in a reverse direction (e.g., 96, 95, 94, . . . , 3, 2, and 1).The first row of the measuring tool 109 may comprise a label equivalentto the second row of the measuring tool 109 at a middle point (e.g.,forty-eight inches). If an operator 703 needs to make a piece of drywallfour inches in width, the operator 703 may move the first handle 103along the measuring tool 109 until the first handle 103 is located atfour inches (or ninety-three inches) and may place the drywall in theguide 115. The operator 703 can then pull or push the second handle 106along the surface of the drywall to cut the drywall to create a piece ofdrywall having a width of four inches.

However, if an operator 703 needs to make a piece of drywall ninety-twoinches in width, the operator 703 may move the first handle 103 alongthe measuring tool 109 until the first handle 103 is located atninety-two inches (or five inches) and may place the drywall in theguide 115. The operator 703 can then pull or push the second handle 106along the surface of the drywall to cut the drywall to create a piece ofdrywall having a width of ninety-two inches.

Similarly, with respect to FIG. 9B, the measuring tool 109 may measureten feet for use with ten foot or other suitable sized material 303. Inthe non-limiting example of FIG. 9B, a first label denotes “1 inch”while a second label shown below the first label denotes “120 inches”(i.e., a ten foot measuring tool 109 comprises of 120 inches). The firstrow of the measuring tool 109 may iterate in one direction (e.g., 1, 2,3, . . . , 118, 119, and 120), while a second row of the measuring tool109 may iterate in a reverse direction (e.g., 120, 119, 118, . . . , 3,2, and 1). The first row of the measuring tool 109 may comprise a labelequivalent to the second row of the measuring tool 109 at a middle point(e.g., sixty inches).

Finally, with respect to FIG. 9C, the measuring tool 109 may measuretwelve feet for use with twelve foot drywall boards or other suitablesized material 303. In the non-limiting example of FIG. 9C, a firstlabel denotes “1 inch” while a second label shown below the first labeldenotes “144 inches” (i.e., a twelve foot measuring tool 109 comprisesof 144 inches). The first row of the measuring tool 109 may iterate inone direction (e.g., 1, 2, 3, . . . , 142, 143, and 144), while a secondrow of the measuring tool 109 may iterate in a reverse direction (e.g.,144, 143, 142, . . . , 3, 2, and 1). The first row of the measuring tool109 may comprise a label equivalent to the second row of the measuringtool 109 at a middle point (e.g., seventy-two inches).

The reverse rule labeling system shown in FIGS. 9A, 9B, and 9C are shownimplemented in a retractable measuring and cutting device 100 where themeasuring tool 109 comprises a fixed, non-flexible material, such as theembodiment discussed above in FIG. 1F. However, the reverse rulelabeling system shown in FIGS. 9A, 9B, and 9C may be implemented in aretractable measuring and cutting device 100 where the measuring tool109 comprises a flexible bistable spring steel band, such as theembodiments discussed above in FIGS. 1A-1E.

Although the flowchart of FIG. 8 shows a specific order of execution, itis understood that the order of execution may differ from that which isdepicted, if possible. For example, the order of execution of two ormore blocks may be scrambled relative to the order shown, if possible.Also, two or more blocks shown in succession in FIG. 8 may be executedconcurrently or with partial concurrence. Further, in some embodiments,one or more of the blocks shown in FIG. 8 may be skipped or omitted. Itis understood that all such variations are within the scope of thepresent disclosure.

Disjunctive language such as the phrase “at least one of X, Y, or Z,”unless specifically stated otherwise, is otherwise understood with thecontext as used in general to present that an item, term, etc., may beeither X, Y, or Z, or any combination thereof (e.g., X, Y, and/or Z).Thus, such disjunctive language is not generally intended to, and shouldnot, imply that certain embodiments require at least one of X, at leastone of Y, or at least one of Z to each be present.

It should be emphasized that the above-described embodiments of thepresent disclosure are merely possible examples of implementations setforth for a clear understanding of the principles of the disclosure.Many variations and modifications may be made to the above-describedembodiment(s) without departing substantially from the spirit andprinciples of the disclosure. All such modifications and variations areintended to be included herein within the scope of this disclosure andprotected by the following claims.

Therefore, the following is claimed:
 1. A measuring and cutting device,comprising: a first handle component configured to be gripped by a firsthand of an operator, the first handle component having an L-shaped guideoffset from a body of the first handle component, the L-shaped guidebeing configured to receive an end of a material during a linear cut ofthe material; a second handle component configured to be gripped by asecond hand of the operator, the second handle component comprising ablade configured to perform the linear cut of the material; a measuringtool storage coupled to the first handle component having an interiorfor storing a measuring tool; wherein the measuring tool is disposedbetween and coupled to both the first handle component and the secondhandle component, wherein the measuring tool comprises: a steel springband having a first row of dimensions and a second row of dimensionsaffixed thereon, wherein the first row of dimensions measureleft-to-right and the second row of dimensions measure right-to-left; afirst end coupled to an interior of the measuring tool storage; and asecond end of the measuring tool being coupled to a side of the secondhandle component; wherein the first handle component has a lengthsubstantially similar to a length of the second handle component;wherein the first handle component and the second handle component areconfigured such that the linear cut of the material is performed when atleast a portion of the measuring tool is extracted from the interior ofthe measuring tool storage and both the first handle component and thesecond handle component are pulled in a common direction, wherein theL-shaped guide is operable to slide along an edge of the material duringthe linear cut; wherein the measuring tool, when extracted, isconfigured to provide stability during the linear cut of the material;and wherein the first handle component is configured to join the secondhandle component to form a uniform body when the measuring tool isretracted into the interior of the measuring tool storage.
 2. Themeasuring and cutting device of claim 1, wherein the first handlecomponent further comprises a measuring tool lock configured to lock anamount the measuring tool is extracted from the measuring tool storage.3. The measuring and cutting device of claim 1, wherein the first handlecomponent or the second handle component further comprises a utensilholder comprising an outlet for a utensil to closely conform to theutensil holder.
 4. The measuring and cutting device of claim 1, whereinthe second handle component further comprises a light projecting devicethat projects an illuminated line along a surface of the material. 5.The measuring and cutting device of claim 1, wherein the blade isoperable to cut material selected from a group consisting of drywall,tile, particle board, cardboard, plywood, linoleum, brick, stone,string, plexiglass, and glass.
 6. The measuring and cutting device ofclaim 1, wherein a length of the measuring tool is approximately 144inches for use in cutting 48″×144″ drywall boards, 120 inches for use incutting 48″×120″ drywall boards, or 96 inches for use in cutting 48″×96″drywall boards.
 7. The measuring and cutting device of claim 1, furthercomprising: processing circuitry configured to measure a length that thesecond handle is pulled away from the first handle; and an electronicdisplay coupled to the processing circuitry, wherein the processingcircuitry is configured to cause the length that the second handle ispulled away from the first handle to be rendered in the electronicdisplay.
 8. A method, comprising: providing a measuring and cuttingdevice comprising: a first handle component configured to be gripped bya first hand of an operator, the first handle component having anL-shaped guide coupled to a body of the first handle component; a secondhandle component configured to be gripped by a second hand of theoperator, the second handle component comprising a blade configured toperform a linear cut of material and having a length substantiallysimilar to a length of the first handle component; a measuring toolstorage coupled to the first handle component having an interior forstoring a measuring tool, the measuring tool disposed between andcoupled to both the first handle component and the second handlecomponent, wherein the measuring tool comprises: a steel spring bandhaving a first row of dimensions and a second row of dimensions affixedthereon, wherein the first row of dimensions measure left-to-right andthe second row of dimensions measure right-to-left; a first end coupledto an interior of the measuring tool storage; and a second end of themeasuring tool being coupled to a side of the second handle component;securing the first handle component to an edge of a material bypositioning the edge of the material into the L-shaped guide of thefirst handle component; pulling the second handle component in a laterdirection away from the first handle component to extract the measuringtool from an interior of the measuring tool storage to an extendedposition; and performing the linear cut of the material by pulling boththe first handle component and the second handle component along thematerial in a common direction, wherein the L-shaped guide is operableto slide along an edge of the material during the linear cut, at least aportion of the blade projecting from the second handle component duringthe linear cut.
 9. The method of claim 8, further comprisingmanipulating a measuring tool lock on the first handle component to fixan amount the measuring tool is extracted from the measuring toolstorage.
 10. The method of claim 8, wherein the first handle componentor the second handle component further comprises a utensil holdercomprising an outlet for a utensil to closely conform to the utensilholder.
 11. The method of claim 8, further comprising manipulating alight projecting device located on the second handle component toproject an illuminated line along a surface of the material.
 12. Themethod of claim 8, wherein the linear cut is performed on materialselected from a group consisting of drywall, tile, particle board,cardboard, plywood, linoleum, brick, stone, string, plexiglass, andglass.
 13. The method of claim 8, wherein a length of the measuring toolis approximately 144 inches, 120 inches, or 96 inches.
 14. The method ofclaim 8, further comprising: measuring, using processing circuitry, alength that the second handle is pulled away from the first handle; andrendering, on an electronic display coupled to the processing circuitry,the length that the second handle is pulled away from the first handle.15. An apparatus, comprising: a first handle configured to be gripped bya first hand of an operator, the first handle having a guide configuredto receive an edge of a material during a linear cut of a material; asecond handle configured to be gripped by a second hand of the operator,the second handle comprising a blade configured to perform the linearcut of the material, the second handle having a length substantiallysimilar to a length of the first handle; a measuring tool storagecoupled to the first handle having an interior; a measuring tooldisposed between and coupled to both the first handle and the secondhandle and configured to be stored in the measuring tool storage,wherein the measuring tool comprises: a steel spring band having atleast a first row of dimensions affixed thereon; a first end coupled tothe first handle through the measuring tool storage; and a second end ofthe measuring tool being coupled to the second handle; wherein the firsthandle and the second handle are configured such that the linear cut ofthe material is performed when the first handle and the second handleare pulled in a common direction, wherein the guide is operable to slidealong an edge of the material during the linear cut; and wherein themeasuring tool, when extracted, is configured to provide stabilityduring the linear cut of the material.
 16. The apparatus of claim 15,wherein the first handle is configured to mate with the second handle toform a uniform body when the measuring tool is retracted into theinterior of the measuring tool storage.
 17. The apparatus of claim 15,wherein a length of the measuring tool is approximately 144 inches, 120inches, or 96 inches.
 18. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the firsthandle further comprises a measuring tool lock configured to lock anamount of the measuring tool extracted from the measuring tool storage.19. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the guide comprises an L-shapedprojection.
 20. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the blade is adaptedto cut material selected from a group consisting of drywall, tile,particle board, cardboard, plywood, linoleum, brick, stone, string,plexiglass, and glass.